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21 of the Best Music Festivals the U.S. Has to Offer
Festival season is the best season. The plethora of performances on multiple stages, art installations, beer gardens and food options make up festival culture however, the core of these multi-day events is the music. Rock n' roll,...
Festival season is the best season. The plethora of performances on multiple stages, art installations, beer gardens and food options make up festival culture however, the core of these multi-day events is the music. Rock n' roll, pop, country, hip hop, folk or electronic - you name it, there's a festival for it.
So, if you are scouring the United States in hopes of uncovering the best music festivals around, this is the list for you.
Reporter: Scout
So, if you are scouring the United States in hopes of uncovering the best music festivals around, this is the list for you.
Reporter: Scout
Photo by Chels & Co. / Erik Voake
Coachella defines Southern California’s festival scene with three days of desert frolicking. Get ready for fashion girls, celebrities and crop tops galore in April. This year’s star-studded line-up includes Beyonce, Eminem, Bleachers and Haim.
Where to stay: Ace Hotel & Swim Club provides Palm Springs cool with their retro motel vibes and happening pool.
Where to stay: Ace Hotel & Swim Club provides Palm Springs cool with their retro motel vibes and happening pool.
Photo by Jack Gorlin / Patrick Janelle
No better way to spend your August than at Outside Lands in San Francisco. More than just music, experience live paintings, the Beer Lands and an abundance of food trucks.
Where to stay: Lodge in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city at Proper Hotel right on Market Street. This flatiron landmark building provides West Coast cool thanks to designer Kelly Wearstler.
Where to stay: Lodge in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city at Proper Hotel right on Market Street. This flatiron landmark building provides West Coast cool thanks to designer Kelly Wearstler.
Photo by Alive Coverage / Thompson Nashville
Bonnaroo has over 10 stages and features over 130 bands but that’s not all – art installations, yoga classes, kids events and a Roo Run make up the glory of Bonnaroo.
Where to stay: Want to forgo the camping option and check yourself into a hotel? Stay at Thompson Nashville and take the shuttle to and from the festival. In the heart of the city, Thompson Nashville has a sleek Mid-Century Modern flair that screams retro luxury.
Where to stay: Want to forgo the camping option and check yourself into a hotel? Stay at Thompson Nashville and take the shuttle to and from the festival. In the heart of the city, Thompson Nashville has a sleek Mid-Century Modern flair that screams retro luxury.
Photo by Kimpton Hotel Born / Ashley Nicole
Attention alternative afficionados: 30H!3, Falling in Reverse and The Used are just some of the bands playing at Van’s Warped Tour in Denver.
Where to stay: Kimpton Hotel Born provides alpine modern luxury with floor to ceiling windows, an original art collection and a view of the downtown skyline.
Where to stay: Kimpton Hotel Born provides alpine modern luxury with floor to ceiling windows, an original art collection and a view of the downtown skyline.
Photo by Ultra Music Festival / Anna Cook
As if Miami wasn’t fun enough, Ultra Music Festival brings all your favorite DJs to one location in March. Think Afrojack, Armin Van Buuren, The Chainsmokers and David Guetta.
Where to stay: Take advantage of Miami’s Art Deco influence and stay at Freehand Miami. Make sure to try one of their inventive craft cocktails after a night of dancing.
Where to stay: Take advantage of Miami’s Art Deco influence and stay at Freehand Miami. Make sure to try one of their inventive craft cocktails after a night of dancing.
Photo by Rachel Fugate / Stagecoach
Country folk rejoice! Stagecoach is California’s country music festival of the year. This year’s headliners include Keith Urban and Garth Brooks. Attractions include a honkytonk dance hall, a ferris wheel and a beer barn.
Where to stay: Nothing says western like Pioneertown Motel. This wild west hotel will have you feeling the country vibes all the way in the California desert.
Where to stay: Nothing says western like Pioneertown Motel. This wild west hotel will have you feeling the country vibes all the way in the California desert.
Photo by Benoit Linero / Air + Style
This year, Air + Style had Phoenix, Zedd and Gucci Maine as their headliners. Not only was music at the forefront of the festival, but street style snowboarding and skateboarding also took the spotlight.
Where to stay: Nomad Hotel in downtown Los Angeles is the perfect 1920’s retreat. French architect and designer Jacques Garcia designed this 241 room property. Its soft color palette and freestanding bathtubs provide all the charm.
Where to stay: Nomad Hotel in downtown Los Angeles is the perfect 1920’s retreat. French architect and designer Jacques Garcia designed this 241 room property. Its soft color palette and freestanding bathtubs provide all the charm.
Photo by Zack Smith / The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery
This October marks Voodoo Festival’s 20th anniversary and the celebration is reflected in its 2018 lineup: Kendrick Lamar, Foo Fighters, The Killers, LCD Soundsystem and DJ Snake are amongst the performances.
Where to stay: The Old No. 77 Hotel and Chandlery will help you experience the city of New Orleans. With a blend of glam, chic and modern, this historic boutique hotel celebrates the art and culture of New Orleans.
Where to stay: The Old No. 77 Hotel and Chandlery will help you experience the city of New Orleans. With a blend of glam, chic and modern, this historic boutique hotel celebrates the art and culture of New Orleans.
Photo by Bottlerock / Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa
Napa Valley is home to BottleRock, a May festival that boasts good music, food, wine and beer. With headliners like Muse, The Killers and Bruno Mars, this California three-day extravaganza is pulling out all the stops.
Where to stay: Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa is a revamped 1940’s roadside motel offering the best of wine country. Giving an “ode to the Great American Road Trip of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s,” the surrounding vineyards complement the Mid-Century Modern design.
Where to stay: Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa is a revamped 1940’s roadside motel offering the best of wine country. Giving an “ode to the Great American Road Trip of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s,” the surrounding vineyards complement the Mid-Century Modern design.
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Photo by Your EDM / South Congress Hotel
Austin City Limits Festival has everyone preforming from Jay-Z to Foster the People. Experience one of the live music capitals of the country with their eight stages and over 140 bands.
Where to stay: For the design minded folk, stay at South Congress Hotel for chic, boutique and Mid-Century Modern lodging.
Where to stay: For the design minded folk, stay at South Congress Hotel for chic, boutique and Mid-Century Modern lodging.
Photo by Roger Ho / Ambassador Chicago
This August attend Lollapalooza in Chicago and experience their eight different stages including a line-up of over 170 bands. Past artists that have graced the Lolla stage include Muse, Lorde and Cage the Elephant.
Where to stay: Come home to Ambassador Chicago, a chic hotel with touches of ‘30s and ‘40s glamour. Make sure to have a post-festival drink at their Library Lounge, a modern interpretation of a traditional English gentleman’s club.
Where to stay: Come home to Ambassador Chicago, a chic hotel with touches of ‘30s and ‘40s glamour. Make sure to have a post-festival drink at their Library Lounge, a modern interpretation of a traditional English gentleman’s club.
Photo by Nathan Mueller / CRSSD Fest
Head down to San Diego’s bay for a three-day music festival in the sun. CRSSD has both spring and fall festivals hosting performers like Empire of the Sun and Bonobo.
Where to stay: Pendry San Diego’s downtown location makes this hotel an urban and sophisticated must visit. Host the afterparty in style at any of their six different restaurants or bars.
Where to stay: Pendry San Diego’s downtown location makes this hotel an urban and sophisticated must visit. Host the afterparty in style at any of their six different restaurants or bars.
Photo by Ben Kaye / Jane Arakelyan
Folk music enthusiasts, this is your festival. Newport Folk Festival takes place at the end of July in Newport, Rhode Island. The lineup includes Bedoine, Fantastic Negrito, Phoebe Bridgers and The Lone Bellow.
Where to stay: Check yourself into an island resort at Gurney’s Newport Resort & Marina. This waterfront property will have you in awe.
Where to stay: Check yourself into an island resort at Gurney’s Newport Resort & Marina. This waterfront property will have you in awe.
Photo by The Langham / Panorama Festival
Panorama has the lineup to beat: The Weeknd, Janet Jackson, Cardi B and The Killers, to name a few. This July New York City festival is gauranteed the place to be.
Where to stay: Stay right next to Madison Square Garden at The Langham in New York City. Perfect for those who love a modern and captivating decor.
Where to stay: Stay right next to Madison Square Garden at The Langham in New York City. Perfect for those who love a modern and captivating decor.
Photo by Channing Morris / Lumiere Hotel
Jump on board for the 44th Annual Telluride Bluegrass Festival in Telluride, Colorado. This four day festival features Tim O’Brien, Peter Rowan and Jerry Douglas. Past lineups have included Mumford & Sons and Elvis Costello.
Where to stay: Get into the Colorado spirit the right way at Lumiere Hotel. With only 29 rooms, this intimate and luxurious boutique hotel is set in the San Juana Mountains.
Where to stay: Get into the Colorado spirit the right way at Lumiere Hotel. With only 29 rooms, this intimate and luxurious boutique hotel is set in the San Juana Mountains.
Photo by Loews Atlanta / Shaky Knees
Atlanta is bringing the rock n’ roll spirit at Shaky Knees. The lineup includes Jack White, Fleet Foxes, Cake and Queens of the Stone Age.
Where to stay: Stay in the middle of it all at Loews Hotel in Midtown Atlanta. Their weekend perks include parking and breakfast - perfect for your festival-going self.
Where to stay: Stay in the middle of it all at Loews Hotel in Midtown Atlanta. Their weekend perks include parking and breakfast - perfect for your festival-going self.
Photo by 50 Bowery / Charles Reagan
New York City’s three day music festival is the place to be this June. Governors Ball headliners include Jack White, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Travis Scott, Halsey and Eminem. Get the single day pass or splurge for the whole weekend.
Where to stay: Stay downtown at the hip 50 Bowery Hotel. Located right at the crossroads of Chinatown, Little Italy and the Lower East Side, you get the luxurious best of downtown New York City.
Where to stay: Stay downtown at the hip 50 Bowery Hotel. Located right at the crossroads of Chinatown, Little Italy and the Lower East Side, you get the luxurious best of downtown New York City.
Photo by Electric Zoo / 1 Hotels
If electronic music is your thing, then you need to be at Electric Zoo this Labor Day Weekend in New York. This festival has been home to headliners like deadmaus, ZEDD and DJ Snake. This year marks its 10 year anniversary, so you know it’s going to be a good one.
Where to stay: After dancing the night away, come back to 1 Hotel Central Park where you can find some nature in the midst of the concrete jungle. Reclaimed wood, treetop views and horticulture galore will make this unique hotel home for the weekend.
Where to stay: After dancing the night away, come back to 1 Hotel Central Park where you can find some nature in the midst of the concrete jungle. Reclaimed wood, treetop views and horticulture galore will make this unique hotel home for the weekend.
Photo by Thompson Seattle / Bumbershoot
Celebrate Labor Day weekend at Bumbershoot in Seattle, Washington. Around since 1972, this three-day festival touches upon music, comedy, visual arts and even dance.
Where to stay: Experience downtown Seattle at Thompson Hotel. Their sleek glass facade and urban charm will have you experiencing the city of Seattle like no other.
Where to stay: Experience downtown Seattle at Thompson Hotel. Their sleek glass facade and urban charm will have you experiencing the city of Seattle like no other.
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Photo by The Iron Horse Hotel / Summerfest
Summerfest is so good that it takes place two weekends in a row. Head over to Wisconsin for a chance to see Halsey, Blake Shelton, Arcade Fire and Imagine Dragons.
Where to stay: This luxury 100-room hotel was converted from a 100-year-old warehouse. The Iron Horse Hotel is your contemporary home for the weekend. Relax after a day full of concerts at this brick accented hotel.
Where to stay: This luxury 100-room hotel was converted from a 100-year-old warehouse. The Iron Horse Hotel is your contemporary home for the weekend. Relax after a day full of concerts at this brick accented hotel.
Photo by Ace Hotel New Orleans / JT Blatty
Inspired by the magazine for African American women, Essence is a music festival aimed to celebrate women and culture. This July in New Orleans, see Janet Jackson, Mary J Blige and even Erykah Badu perform. There’s some fun for the men too! Other headliners include Snoop Dogg and The Roots.
Where to stay: Nothing says New Orleans hip like the Ace Hotel. Soak in the Art Deco flair and Dadaism influence. Located next to the museum and art gallery district, The Ace Hotel is perfect for the art lover.
Where to stay: Nothing says New Orleans hip like the Ace Hotel. Soak in the Art Deco flair and Dadaism influence. Located next to the museum and art gallery district, The Ace Hotel is perfect for the art lover.
